*Says he can’t ridicule respected Obaship institution in Yorubaland,
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
The Pan Yoruba socio political organization, Afenifere has demanded an unreserved Public Apology from former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to traditional rulers in Oke Ogun area of Oyo State.
In a communique issued at the end of its monthly meeting made available to journalists by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere also called on the Federal government and labour leaders to engage more in consultation to quickly resolve the issues surrounding the fuel subsidy removal and the attendant difficulties Nigerians are facing.
Afenifere in the statement, condemned in strong term the action of the former President in Iseyin on Friday September 15 during which he ordered traditional rulers at a public function to stand up for allegedly failed to observe protocol while Gov Seyi Makinde was about to make a speech.
The Pan Yoruba socio political organization pointed out that Yorubas have enough respect for traditional institutions, the arrowhead of which, are our traditional rulers and are ready to resist attempt by anyone at ridiculing them.
” In view of the attempt to ridicule the respected Obaship institution in Yorubaland, Afenifere hereby demands an unreserved Public Apology to Obas from former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Our tradition describes who we are. As such, no effort must be spared to prevent the rubbishing of our noble tradition”, it said .
Afenifere added, ” In that wise, it’s hereby recommended that Royal Fathers are spared the trouble to stand up at public functions as obtained in the United Kingdom among others”
” Afenifere was taken aback by the avoidable and unwarranted incident that took place at Iseyin, Oyo State on Friday, September 15, 2023 where former President Olusegun Obasanjo commanded Royal Fathers at the gathering to stand up (and after complying), were ordered to sit down. It was as though a military commander was giving orders to his troops”.
Afenifere also in the communique appealed to the government and Labour leaders to engage more in consultation view and to quickly resolve the issues surrounding the fuel subsidy removal and the attendant difficulties Nigerians are facing.
It tasked the government to redouble its efforts in finding a lasting solution to the intractable problem of exchange rate in order to bring succour to the teeming population of our people, in no distant future.
Afenifere in the communique reaffirmed its support for l President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration, calling on all well meaning Nigerians to support the government in the onerous task of resuscitating our economy and improving the quality of life of all citizens.
